Manchester President Jo Young Switzer has received the 2013 Chief Executive Leadership Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

She received the honor at the CASE annual conference of the six-state District V in Chicago, for “outstanding efforts in promoting and supporting education and institutional advancement.” As the first female president of the 125-year-old school, Switzer has boldly led Manchester through transformational change, praised CASE.

CASE recognized President Switzer’s ability and conviction in:

•Actively supporting advancement and fundraising for the University

•Inspiring others to Manchester’s vision

•Establishing a positive image for Manchester while leading it to higher levels of success

•Increasing Manchester’s stature, and

•Encouraging innovation and risk-taking among employees

“My role as chief storyteller for Manchester has given me the platform to describe a vision for the University and create the support to make that vision a reality,” said President Switzer in thanking CASE for the award.

Already President Switzer has led the University to 91 percent completion of its $100 million Students First! fund drive – a level of fundraising that is unprecedented in Manchester history. The campaign includes a $35 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. for a College of Pharmacy. The University plans to complete the campaign by June 30, 2014 – one year early.

President Switzer and a highly engaged administrative cabinet have increased enrollment, started a four-year College of Pharmacy on a new Fort Wayne campus, achieved financial accountability and stability, and gained national recognition for Manchester’s workplace environment, affordable excellent academics and volunteer service. The resulting more-complex institution led to a name change to University from College.

“Our three-year presence in Fort Wayne has made us more visible than we have ever been,” Switzer told the CASE audience, which included members of her administrative cabinet. “Our stature in northeast Indiana is strong and vibrant. And we are known for the right things – a rigorous academic program, a noble mission, and most important, for our graduates who live lives of ability and conviction.”

President Switzer plans to retire June 30, 2014. She assumed the presidency of her alma mater in December 2004, after serving as MU vice president and dean for academic affairs and former chair of the Department of Communication Studies.

The University also received a bronze 2013 Pride of CASE V Award in the Best Alumni/Institution Magazine category for its magazine, Manchester. The 15,000-circulation magazine was edited by Jeri Kornegay and designed by Brenda Carver, with support throughout the Marketing and Advancement departments.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) serves more than 3,600 educational and nonprofit organizations in 82 countries. Learn more at www.case.org.

District V supports educational institutions in six Midwest states, developing relationships, providing training, products and services and promoting diversity. Melanie Harmon, MU executive director of development, is a member of the CASE V Board of Directors, and is its volunteer coordinator.